CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Washington, D.C., councilman David Catania announced Thursday that he would introduce legislation on October 6 to legalize same-sex marriage in the nation's capital.
Catania is joined by nine other members from the 13-member panel,
projecting passage of the legislation. Mayor Adrian Fenty has
pledged to sign the bill if it reaches his desk. According to TheWashington Post, the fate of the legislation could be decided by Thanksgiving.
"We are going to do it now," Catania told a gathered crowd of about 200 people including many gay rights advocates. "We are going to do it now, not for ourselves, but for the young people who are 20 years old, 16 years old, 13 years old."
Catania also said that he's been in touch with President Barack Obama, and while the president does not personally endorse same-sex marriage, he is supportive of Catania's bill.
"We are not asking the White House to change its position on marriage equality -- the discussion with the White House is about supporting local home rule," Catania said, according to TheWashington Post. "Everyone knows where the president is on this issue, but we also know the president has high regard for home rule and local autonomy. And on those grounds we believe the White House should work with us in defending the actions of the local government."
The councilman added in a statement released on Thursday that the legislation would "not infringe on the religious freedoms enjoyed by District residents, churches, and clergy. The bill amends the District's statutory eligibility requirements for civil marriage only, and specifically provides that no church or member of the clergy shall be required to perform or recognize a marriage that runs counter to their religious beliefs or teachings."
The U.S. Congress does have the right to review all laws passed in the District, which could put federal lawmakers in the position of legislating on marriage equality this fall. According to WAMU, an NBC affiliate in Washington, Congress restricted the city's attempt to legalize domestic partnerships in 1992.
In May, the council voted 12-1 to recognize legal same-sex marriages performed outside of the District.
- Click here to follow The Advocate on Twitter.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Here Are Our 2024 Election Predictions. Will They Come True?
November 07 2023 1:46 PM
17 Celebs Who Are Out & Proud of Their Trans & Nonbinary Kids
November 30 2023 10:41 AM
Here Are the 15 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities in the U.S.
November 01 2023 5:09 PM
Which State Is the Queerest? These Are the States With the Most LGBTQ+ People
December 11 2023 10:00 AM
These 27 Senate Hearing Room Gay Sex Jokes Are Truly Exquisite
December 17 2023 3:33 PM
10 Cheeky and Homoerotic Photos From Bob Mizer's Nude Films
November 18 2023 10:05 PM
30 Steamy Photos of Folsom Street Fair 2023 Debauchery
October 15 2023 11:06 PM
42 Flaming Hot Photos From 2024's Australian Firefighters Calendar
November 10 2023 6:08 PM
These Are the 5 States With the Smallest Percentage of LGBTQ+ People
December 13 2023 9:15 AM
60 Burly Pics from Bearrison Street Fair 2022
October 08 2023 8:30 PM
Watch Now: Advocate Channel
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Latest Stories
Prince William's aversion to spectacle created one — and might spawn a King Harry
March 22 2024 6:24 PM
Outrage after Oklahoma prosecutor declines charges in Nex Benedict bullying death
March 22 2024 5:21 PM
George Santos leaves Republican Party, will run for House seat as independent
March 22 2024 4:07 PM
Catherine, Princess of Wales, announces she has cancer
March 22 2024 2:57 PM
Pride
Yahoo FeedProhibition Wellness & revolutionizing self-care for all
March 22 2024 1:19 PM
Tennessee bill would permit anti-LGBTQ+ foster and adoptee parents
March 22 2024 11:54 AM
Plus
Yahoo Feed8 dating tips for gay men from a gay psychotherapist
March 22 2024 11:51 AM
Trans woman assailed during Kanye West's Rolling Loud set beats back 'bullies' (exclusive)
March 22 2024 11:34 AM
Out Congress members outraged as anti-LGBTQ+ bills advance
March 21 2024 6:59 PM
RuPaul shades 'masculine white gay men' who project 'internalized homophobia'
March 21 2024 5:43 PM
Alabama forces universities to implement trans bathroom ban while outlawing DEI
March 21 2024 3:55 PM
'Cruel' Nebraska senator investigated after using colleague's name in a rape scene
March 21 2024 3:51 PM
Police arrest Russian nightclub employees over drag show
March 21 2024 2:24 PM